DCS Engineer

Synthomer is a leading supplier of high-performance, highly specialised polymers and ingredients that play vital roles in key sectors such as coatings, construction, adhesives, and health and protection – growing markets that serve billions of end users worldwide. Headquartered in London, UK and publicly listed there since 1971, we employ c.3,900 employees across our 5 innovation centres of excellence and more than 29 manufacturing sites across Europe, North America and Asia. Around 20% of our sales volumes are from new and patent protected products.

At our innovation centres of excellence in the UK, Germany, China, Malaysia and Ohio, USA we collaborate closely with our customers to develop new products and enhance existing ones tailored to their needs, with an increasing range of sustainability benefits. Since 2021, we have been proud holders of the London Stock Exchange Green Economy Mark, which recognises green technology businesses making a significant contribution to a more sustainable, low-carbon economy.

DCS Engineer

The Role

As DCS engineer you are part of the engineering team which has the prime responsibility to support the execution of the site capital investment program. In addition you provide the DCS support for the manufacturing organization in the daily operation of the plant.

The projects range from large investment projects and innovations to smaller modifications in the process installations. You ensure that projects and DCS changes are executed safe and without business interruption.

The engineer must be able to effectively communicate with customers and team members to recommend potential safety, operability, quality and efficiency improvements, share technical knowledge and report technical problems.

As a DCS Engineer, you are the central point of coordination between Production, Process Engineering, and Instrumentation.

All modifications need to be examined on safety aspects.

Responsibilities

• You provide ABB 800xA software application / control systems design for new projects and process changes.
• You ensure modifications to the DCS systems are correctly configured and installed and ensure stable operation of the DCS systems.
• You support system maintenance, upgrades and modifications, including supervising contractors who work on the DCS controls systems.
• You manage projects and MOC’s for implementation and maintenance of distributed control systems, including budgeting, scheduling, and resource allocation.
• You train manufacturing and maintenance colleagues as needed.
• You contact point to the automation company and corporate DCS experts.
• You provide support for the manufacturing team for DCS related operational issues.
• You ensure safety and compliance of the DCS systems in line with industry regulations and standards.
• You keep DCS documentation up-to-date.
• You have basic understanding of commissioning activities to troubleshoot for the DCS systems if needed.
• Basic understanding of chemical manufacturing processes
• You have basic knowledge of (chemical) plants and instrumentation

About you

• You have completed at least a targeted Bachelor's degree focused on Engineering, Electronics, mechatronics or chemical, Computer Science, or related technical field  (a Master’s degree is an advantage) have a  thorough understanding of ABB 800xA automation software. Supplementary training in mathematics, programming or APC is  a pre.
• More than 5 years of related DCS engineering work experience in the chemical/process industry. Experience with DCS migrations and/or DCS server replacement project is a plus.
• Proficiency in using latest computer hardware and software.
• Languages: Excellent and skilled communicator in Dutch and English.
• Experience with design, setup, field verification, installation, troubleshooting in a, preferably, industrial environment.
• Troubleshooting skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work well under work pressure
• Eager to learn and continuously develop through training and education.

Why join Synthomer

With approximately 250 colleagues in the Netherlands and close to 4,000 globally, Synthomer is a truly international organisation with a strong local presence. We offer a professional environment where ownership, collaboration and continuous improvement are valued.

You can expect:

• A strategic supply chain leadership role with real operational impact.
• Strong exposure to global supply chain stakeholders.
• Excellent development and training opportunities.
• A competitive employment package, including:
  • 13th month
  • Performance bonus
  • Premium‑free pension
• A culture that values safety, diversity and personal growth.

Are you our new teammember! We're looking forward to hear from you!

🌍 Global Benefits Overview

• 💰 Competitive, market-aligned compensation

• 🎯 Discretionary global bonus scheme

• 📈 Discretionary Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP) – for senior positions

• 🚗 Company car or car allowance – varies by region and role

• 🩺 Healthcare – tailored to regional locations

• 👶 Parental leave and family support – maternity, paternity, adoption (aligned with regional policies)

• 🏡 Working options – flexibility where it matters, based on role and business needs

• 📚 Learning & development opportunities – training, online platforms, buddy/mentorship programs, Internal Synthomer University with L&D offers

• 💙 Wellbeing support – employee assistance program (EAP), mental health resources, wellbeing initiatives

• 🌱 Retirement / pension contributions – plans vary by country

• 🤝 Culture of Inclusion – where everyone can thrive

• 🏆 Performance culture, global reward & recognition programmes